I get excited about trails off the regular path. I’ve noticed that my friends are less adventurous than I am (on the average), thus a bit of frustration on why no one brings me to hop along his adventures.

Recently, adventure found me. I never expected work to be as exciting as this. It was the closest I got to the “peace process.”

I’m not sure how much information I can share. Though the former rebels always say, “It’s fine, we’re not hiding anything anyway.” Well, there are some things, which are not really my officialconcern.

I don’t know why they disclosed things that might ruin how the whole process. Never mind, I went there as myself, not as an intel.

Here in the hotel room, charging our body batteries, we’re still trying to digest the rocky road to peace. I’m physically exhausted and my brain has used up its reserves. All I’ll have are short naps in 30 long hours. The most I can give now is a weak, grateful smile (and a few words).

We’re leaving to Zamboanga Sibugay in a few minutes. This is by far the southernmost that I’m experiencing the Philippines. I am not on vacation. And for security reasons, we’re advised not to wander around, especially in Basilan.

Try Googling these places in Mindanao, if you want to know what I’m saying (unless, Google filters our search results differently). At least for metro-Filipinos and the international community who hears news, these places are quickly linked with terrorism, kidnapping, bombing, rebels, massacre, ambush, family feuds… Plus these are Muslim areas so I might/would have to strictly observe a different set of norms.

To me, this is no longer just a job

What am I trying to say?

At this point none, I know nothing about these places (news and travel advisories aside), more so the people and how they live. At some point, I’m thinking of getting a tattoo to the effect of As-Salāmu `Alaykum, dreaming that it would save me especially from naked hostility and forthcoming death. And how staring into the eyes, into the soul, of another would prove that humans are essentially good.

Wish me luck, as I unravel how to bring peace to the consciousness of my people. And how we could see “we-are-all-connected” in a brighter light.

#1) If you care enough to throw shit at people, please care enough to do something.

I can’t believe I had to add somebody on Facebook just to be able to comment on this photo.

The President's Incompetence?

I’m not a big fan of our president. So I’m cool about people criticizing him. But something about this comment sparked my fuse.

And everything else to that effect. All stupid criticisms.

Okay, maybe I’m not seeing some things. That those people are actually working towards something awesome, or at least living a decent happy life (which, I think is all that people really ought to do). Maybe I just can’t take a joke.

But this attitude is exactly what pulls us down: betrayal — making Philippines a laughing stock in front of outsiders just so we’re not one of those stupid Filipinos; and throwing criticisms and not working on a solution. I’m not saying that people should all work in NGO’s or the government, or setting up social enterprises. All I’m saying is, if you care enough to throw shit at people, please care enough to do something.

#2) Mind sharing what you work for?

My experience with government agencies has mostly been contrary to the general public’s impression. People have been helpful, at the very least.

So I deserve a nap, too

So it’s disheartening to have this photo circulating without at least attesting to the contrary. Yes, this photo holds true especially in old, huge bureaus (that’s according to my friend who worked in one of the biggest agencies). Just like in any company, right? My friends in the private sector could confirm that as well.

But for some people I personally know (many of whom are batchmates in high school), it would do no justice to just shut up.

These people are very well aware of the problems plaguing the country — having different focuses but with the same dream for a healthier country. These are people who are in government not because it’s the only vacancy, but because it is a choice.